October 29, 2001

GOOOOOD MORNING, A.I.I.™.... 

It's a great day here in Orem, Utah! Today's edition of the MMM is a break from the norm with some new information, but the responses from last week and the continuing flow of MMM topics was halted for a week to allow time for reflection.  A time to look back.  A time to marvel at how far this once small idea of a weekly flow of electronic home inspection information has come.  Please enjoy today's MMM and I look forward to a return to the norm with next week's edition.

There is just two more days until Halloween.  I know what that means to most of you, but to me this week is special.  The last week in October and the first week in November signifies that another year of the Monday Morning Messenger is complete.

That's right, this issue is the last issue in the fourth year of producing the Monday Morning Messenger.  That means this is issue number 204.  With only a few exceptions, the Monday Morning Messenger has been a constant in our lives.  There have been a few issues that may have arrived a day late, but that is still an incredible track record for what was just a little embryo of an idea 4 years ago.

Many will remember me standing up at the AII Annual Meeting back in 1997 and sharing my vision of the electronic future for home inspectors.  About 25% of the membership had e-mail addresses at that time and most thought of my goal to have every member online as that of a whacky visionary.  The dream actually originated as Brent Foster and I talked of the issues facing the Association at that time.  Number 1 on the list was: "We need better, timely communication with the membership."  Most members did not use e-mail and even fewer had any proficiency with what has been come to known as "Surfing The Net."

Was the dream that far off the mark?  Are Home Inspectors now computerized?  Could any of you put up with receiving a snail mailed newsletter every other month instead of your weekly dose of electronic MMM?  

THE OLD WAY TO GET INSPECTION ANSWERS - Four years ago the response rate for inspection industry questions took months to get an answer.  You would send off a film camera print and handwritten question to the AII offices.  Depending on how close to the deadline of the next newsletter that you mailed the photo, it might take weeks for the picture to be included into the next snail mail newsletter.  Then the issue with your photo and question would come out to the membership.  The fellow inspectors would then go, "Wow, I know what that is!"  They would then handwrite a response and snail mail it back to the AII offices.  More weeks would pass and the answers would then be compiled into the next snail mailed newsletter.

The funniest part of this process is that we were all fine with waiting for two months or more to get a general consensus of what was in the pictures.  We were all fine with not knowing what it was we were looking at during the inspection.  We were fine with not knowing what was going on in Florida, Maine, or Oregon.  The only positive to the every other month process was that we had new bathroom reading material and each issue was treasured and reread many times.

Now let's do a comparison of the old AII newsletters and the information shared in the Monday Morning Messenger.  Before starting the MMM, I had 3 years of newsletters all stored in a 1 1/2" 3-ring binder.  Other than information I received from trainings and Annual Meetings, the binder of newsletters was my only new inspecting information.  That was all that I received for my lifeline with the rest of the industry.  Residing in Utah, I never saw most members throughout the year with the exception of time spent at the Annual Meetings.  The relatively small amount of information that flowed throughout this industry was extremely small when compared to the thirst and hunger I had for information.  I wanted to read and learn everything I could.  I wanted to glean information from the more seasoned inspectors so that I could improve my business.  I wanted interaction, yet I felt like a man alone on an island here in Utah.

THE MMM IS THE SOLUTION - These days, I no longer hunger and thirst from long droughts of new information flow.  Instead, we enjoy a weekly feast of information.  We learn from each others mistakes and successes.  We have immediate access to any topic we need to know about.  We have all of our combined wisdom, knowledge, and experience to draw upon.  We are blessed immensely with an information-based sociality that draws us together.  Those that participate with the MMM become the immediate friends of those readers who are still too shy to respond.

KUDOS TO CONTRIBUTORS - This coming week when we gather at the Annual Meeting, it will allow you the opportunity to walk up to Jim Corbin and say.... "Thanks for your input each week.  I sure enjoy reading what you have to say on mechanical issues."  Or how about going up to Scott Merritt and thanking him for his fiction and non-fiction contributions to the MMM (He has quite the imaginary mind).  Maybe you'll even see Richard Grisham and you can ask him an environmental question and then you can stand back in awe as words you didn't even know existed flow forth from his lips as he tries to simplify the concepts to your level of understanding.  You might want to reflect back upon the long list of contributors to the MMM this past year and take a moment to thank those individuals while rubbing shoulders with them in Reno this coming weekend.  After all, they have been a blessing in all of our lives.

Most of you should be familiar with the story of the Good Samaritan.  The Good Samaritan was a man who helped out a stranger in trouble without any thought for himself.  He saw a man that had been beaten, robbed and left for dead.  The Good Samaritan took the time to help the stranger out.  He didn't do it for praise from others.  He did not do it out of guilt.  He did it because it was the right thing to do.  There were many others who had previously passed by the same injured soul, but they were too pressed for time to be inconvenienced.  I'm sure they thought that they were too busy, or that somebody else was better prepared to help out.  The lesson to be learned was that we should all try our best to help out each other.

I realize that helping out Michael Leavitt here in Orem, Utah, when I need to lift a piece of furniture is not possible for most of you.  I also know that I cannot get a huge amount of perspective clients to call Bill Bergstedt in Lake Tahoe.  But what I can do is to share my experience, knowledge and resources with him when he is in a bind.  I can help him heal from the wounds of being beaten for not knowing what he was looking at on an inspection.  I can help apply the balm of Gilead to his aching soul when a Seller has just shredded him for the accurate findings contained within his report.  I can be Bill's friend and be on the lookout to help if he needs it.

THE MMM ANNOUNCEMENT - So what was I thinking four years ago to the week when I stood up to give my newly-elected Presidential speech?  I was following the new chairman, Brent Foster's speech, where he stressed the vision of online newsletters and the need for our industry members to computerize themselves.  I followed Brent by encouraging all the membership to get e-mail addresses.  I then promised to deliver a weekly message electronically to the membership for the duration of my year of presidential service.  Most thought I was promising too much. (Including my own wife!)  Most thought that there wouldn't be time for it.  Some even thought that this would not be anything of real value.  The majority said... "It's a good idea, but I don't see how it can be accomplished."  

Armed with vim and vigor, I came back home from the 1997 AII Annual Meeting and Shelly looked at me and said... "What have you done?  Do you realize what you have promised?  Are you sure about this?"  Of course, she was expressing my own thoughts and reservations, but I went forth with the dream.  That's right, I went forth not knowing beforehand exactly how I should do it.  I already had a web page.  I had Adobe Pagemill.  I knew I had a great idea.  I then pushed myself through an incredible learning curve of CGI scripts and password protection for what looked to the masses to be a relatively easy thing to do.  The first edition of the MMM came out looking very normal.  The sweat, pain and sleepless nights were not visible on the screen.  The first edition and subsequent editions were very brief.  It was as though I was planting seeds.  The MMM really took a lot of effort, but man did the eventual harvest turn out great.

The vision turned into a reality.  I hope that you can share in my feelings of success.  Out of small things, great things have come to pass.  As many of you remember, the Monday Morning Messenger was originally the Monday Morning Marketer.  I do not have the first year back issues accessible to the masses any more, but I thought you might like to flash back and enjoy the very first MMM with me........... 

THE VERY FIRST MMM

Monday Morning Marketer

Message From the American Institute of Inspectors

Incoming President 1998 - Michael D. Leavitt

November 1, 1997

GOOOOOD MORNING A.I.I.

Of course, it is bitter cold outside. I'm certain that the rain is falling on some of you and there may even be some snow on the ground. It is a perfect day to be unemployed and drink some hot chocolate by the fire. In fact, there is probably not a single reason to do any work at all today.

Hey, wait a minute!!! This is supposed to be the first in a long-running series of motivational messages and ideas to help make us all successful as a body of inspectors. In fact, let's throw out the "IBEENGONNAGO" name badge and let's dress for success!

THE NAME BADGE

Have you made your custom name badge yet? I realize that most inspectors are not used to wearing a name badge. I have a good friend who said to me, "Michael, a career counselor once told me that if you are over 30 and you are in a business that requires the wearing of a name badge, you should seriously consider your career choice!"  He is right...box boys, baggage handlers and burger flippers alike, all wear name badges.

The exception to the name badge theory is the Home Inspector. We make from $50 to $200 per hour and our placards should reflect our professional value. From a marketing perspective, we want everyone we come in contact with to know who and what we are. When we enter a new Realty office we look like a plain old home buyer or solicitor without a name badge. We only get one opportunity to make a first impression.

The name badge should prominently display our name bigger than anything else. Next, it should say what we do. Mine says, "The Home Inspector." This is not my company name, but it is what I do. Company names and logos should be much smaller so as not to distract from the name and title.

I made my name badge template 2" high and 3 5/8" wide. I then printed it out on bright yellow card stock and trimmed it with a paper cutter. Most copy centers can then take the cut out and hard laminate it. Many shops will even sell the fastening clips. If you need AII name badge templates, contact me.

I feel that the name badge is the first and most important step in separating yourself from the status quo. It makes a strong statement, raises your image and increase your earning power.

CHALLENGE

Make a custom name badge and enter a new Realty office (or one that you haven't been into in a while) and watch the secretary's eyes at the front desk as you introduce yourself and say, "I'm Michael Leavitt (Insert Your Name) the Home Inspector and I would like to speak with the Broker, Mr. Brown."  Her eyes will scan you from top to bottom and then lock onto your name badge.

Remember, it is the front desk secretary's responsibility to keep all of the riff raff and solicitors from the Broker. She will try everything in her powers to keep you from reaching him and free up his day. That is her job. She may ask you what you need to speak with him about. Tell her, "Since I will be inspecting for the clients of a lot of his agents, I would like to introduce myself to Mr. Brown and share my inspection services and credentials with him."

NOTE: You should know the brokers name before you go into the office. If you don't know his name, call the office before you leave the house and say, "I'm Michael Leavitt (Insert Your Name) the Home Inspector and I need to know who the Office Broker is and how you spell his name."

The name badge will make all the difference as the secretary looks you over. It may make the difference between a "yes" and a "no." In many cases, the Broker is out of the office or is just too busy. This is normal, so ask who arranges the Broker's schedule. You may be able to make a specific appointment or you may be able to find out when his office hours will be. Be persistent and don't give up.

BROKER'S MEETING

Meeting with a Broker will not bring immediate business success since the Broker does not usually sell a lot of real estate. Your goals should be specific: 1) Introduction, 2) Credentials, 3) What I do For a Living, and 4) "May I take a few minutes in an upcoming office meeting to present before your agents my inspection services?"

The goal is to schedule an office presentation!!!

QUOTABLE QUOTE: We only get one opportunity to make a first impression! (Michael Leavitt)

Michael Leavitt & Co Home Inspections

The Most Qualified Inspector in Northern Utah!

CPSC AUTOMATIC GATE STANDARDS

NOTE: The following is very beneficial for those Inspectors who review commercial structures and apartment buildings.

For Immediate Release CPSC Contact: Scott Wolfson October 23, 2001 (301) 504-0580 Ext. 1189 Release # 02-023 

New Safety Standard for Automatic Security Gates Helps Prevent Deaths and Injuries to Children 

WASHINGTON, D.C.- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is alerting consumers to a tougher safety standard that should prevent children from becoming entrapped in automatic security gates. These sliding or swinging gates are typically found at the entrances of residences, apartment buildings, condominiums, parking lots and garages, and commercial establishments. 

Since 1985, CPSC has learned of 32 deaths related to automatic gates, including 20 deaths to children. From 1990 to 2000, CPSC has estimated that nearly 25,000 people have been involved in automatic gate-related injuries, including 9,000 children under 15 years old. Each year over 2,000 people, including 800 children, are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries to the head, neck, arm, or hand. 

Children and adults can be severely injured or killed if they become entrapped in the gates as they are automatically opened or closed. The injuries also include cuts, broken bones, hematomas, and amputations. Many older gates do not have sensing devices or reversing mechanisms to prevent these entrapments. 

"If your apartment or condominium complex has an older gate, contact a manager or your homeowners' association and have it replaced with a safer automatic gate that meets the new standard. It could save a life," said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. 

"In educating the public about the danger these gates can present, it is my hope that other families will not suffer, like my family and nephew have," said Michelle Talbert, aunt of 8-year-old Marlow Santos, of Gardena, Calif., who died after he became entrapped in a sliding gate. CPSC worked with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to develop the tougher safety standard that requires automatic gates to have at least two mechanisms to prevent entrapment. These provisions are similar to the standards in effect for automatic garage doors. The standard, which UL adopted in March 2000, requires a sensing device that will reverse the gate if it encounters an obstruction when opening or closing; and a secondary sensing mechanism, such as an electric eye or an edge sensor that will reverse the gate if an obstruction is detected. Additional safety measures related to gate installation include: 

* Elimination of all gaps over 2.25 inches. 
* Installation of controls far enough from the gate so users cannot come into contact with the gate while operating the controls. 
* Installation of controls where the user has full view of the gate operation. 
* Elimination of pinch points. 
* Installation of guarding on exposed rollers. 
* Posting of warning signs on each side of the gate. 

AII™ ANNUAL MEETING

The preparations are in full swing for the AII Annual Meeting.  Shelly and I fly into Reno Thursday morning to prepare for 3 more days of fun and learning.  Those of you that are waivering should get off the fence and register.  You have had a year to set aside the minimal amount of funds for the event and you should get yourself there either by plane, train or automobile.

The 3D Level 200 course preparations have been very involved.  Those in attendance should learn a lot.  Attendees need to be sure to bring their computers.  Inventory any plug-in cords or needed periphials before you leave your home.  You will need to have a CD player to install the needed programs and information.  If you do not have a CD player, then contact me immediately.

The great news is that Carl Fowler who is the President of 3D Inspection Software will be in Reno with us.  He is a great 3D informational resource and a great individual.  Any really difficult software questions will be passed along directly to him.  In fact, if you have any 3D observations or recommended improvements, then please write them down and give them to Carl personally.  Carl will also accept any praises or kudos about the software.  Please don't be too rough on him because he is still adapting to life with a newborn child in the home.  Carl was pretty set in his ways, but now fatherhood has exposed the softer and gentler version of Carl has come to the surface.

Other 3D Level 200 course requirements are:

• VERSION 3.5 REPORT WRITER - You must have 3D version 3.5.  If you have an older version then you must get on the phone with 3D sales immediately and have them rush you out the upgrade.  Version 3.5 required the header and footer changes, so please have this version installed and operational so as not to bring the class to a screeching halt before we have left the starting line.

• SOFTWARE - You should have the 3D Office Management system installed.  If you do not, then you will need to contact me so that a loaner version can be provided.  Those wishing to purchase the Office Management can do so for a reduced investment at the conference.  Loaner versions will be stripped off at the end of the training session.

• EXTENSION CORDS - If you have extra 6 plug in strops or extension cords, please bring them.  Those of you that are driving can be of great help with this equipment.  The logistics of getting 15 computers into one hotel conference room is enormous.  Those with laptop won't require that many plugs, but those of you lugging in full desktops will require tons of power.

• SLOWPOKES - If you are considering bringing either an old 100 megahertz laptop or a speedy new desktop, please leave the slow turtle at home.  The class can only move as quickly as the slowest member.  We will have patience for those learning the 3D navigation steps, but very little parience for slow processing dinosaur computers.

• NEWBIES - Those participants who are not that proficient with 3D should call Betty at the Association and ask to be paired with a friendly more experienced 3D user so that you can sit next to them and try to be a brainsucker for the day.  Grumpy participants need to warn Betty not to place you next to a greeny so that we have no moaning Eyores (the donkey from Winnie the Pooh) to deal with.

• EARLY SET-UP - It is recommended that you start setting up your computer at 7:30 AM Friday morning so that you will be ready to go promptly at 8 AM.  Please be helpful and bring you extension cords and 6 plugs as there will not be plugs automatically at each desk.

• 3D TRAINING QUESTIONS - If you have specific questions and/or wants please e-mail them to me immediately.  Please don't just assume that I will be covering the topic.  This being the first ever level 200 class, it is a work in progress.

Time is short to plan for the AII Annual Meeting in Reno.  Have you registered yet?  If not, check out the details at www.Inspection.org and then give Betty Buckley a call at the AII™ Association offices.  The toll free number is 1-800-877-4770.  This year's meeting will be held at the Peppermill Hotel in Reno.  Flights should be booked and rooms should be reserved quickly.